Princeton, NJ (May 2025): The American School of Classical Studies at Athens is proud to announce the tremendous success of its Annual Gala, held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Gotham Hall in New York City. Nearly 400 distinguished guests gathered for an extraordinary evening celebrating the rich legacy of Greek culture, scholarship, and service, as the School bestowed the Gennadius Prize upon the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
This year’s Gala stood as a testament to the enduring power of Hellenism and the far-reaching impact of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The event brought together leaders from the academic, diplomatic, religious, and philanthropic communities for a celebration marked by elegance, intellectual depth, and heartfelt admiration.
A highlight of the evening was the premiere of Guardians of Hellenism: The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, a compelling new short film that includes a recent interview with His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. The film offers a powerful portrait of the Patriarchate’s enduring global influence and its vital role in the preservation and promotion of Greek heritage and culture.
The presentation of the Gennadius Prize was made all the more meaningful through a pre-recorded message from His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who expressed his deep appreciation for the honor and reaffirmed the Patriarchate’s unwavering commitment to Hellenic values. The award was accepted on his behalf by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, who offered thoughtful remarks underscoring the significance of the moment.
Reflecting on the evening, George Orfanakos, Executive Director of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens, stated, “This award pays tribute to an institution whose moral and intellectual authority has preserved the Greek spirit through every era of history. It is a privilege to honor the Ecumenical Patriarchate for its profound contributions to the continuity of Hellenic civilization.”
Maria Georgopoulou, Director of the Gennadius Library, remarked, “The Gennadius Prize recognizes a legacy of remarkable spiritual and cultural leadership. The Ecumenical Patriarchate has stood for centuries as a guardian of learning and a beacon of Hellenism.”
The American School extends its heartfelt appreciation to the event’s generous sponsors, loyal supporters, and the many friends of the School whose participation made the evening such a resounding success.
About the American School and the Gennadius Library
The American School of Classical Studies at Athens is the leading American research and teaching institution in Greece, dedicated to the advanced study of Greek culture from antiquity to the present. Founded in 1881, the School is a consortium of nearly 200 academic institutions in the United States, Canada, and Greece.
The Gennadius Library, located on the School’s main campus in Athens, opened in 1926 and has become an unparalleled center of research and scholarship. Its collection of more than 150,000 volumes includes rare books, manuscripts, and works of art that illuminate the enduring history and influence of Hellenism, from antiquity through the modern era.
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